Russia expands ATV roles

Russia has developed several mission specific roles for its articulated DT-30 all-terrain vehicle (ATV).

The DT-30 and the smaller DT-10 ATV, also referred to as the “Knight”, are developed by the Ishimbai Transport Machine Building Works with the latest models being the unarmoured DT-10PM and DT-30PM.The Russian Tor-M2 surface-to-air missile system is mounted on the DT-30 series ATV for use in the Arctic. (Russian Ministry of Defence)

The DT-30 comprises two articulated units joined together with 960 mm wide tracks, providing lower ground pressure for increased cross-country mobility over challenging terrain. The front unit houses the crew compartment with the diesel engine in the middle and storage space towards the back, while the rear unit functions as the primary payload bay with the diesel fuel tanks located under the floor.

The baseline vehicle is fully amphibious being propelled in the water by its tracks but the latest air defence variants do not have this capability.

One example is the latest Tor-M2DT surface-to-air missile (SAM) system that is based on the DT-30 platform and is expected to enter service which Russian forces in 2018 following trials at the Kapustin Yar Range.

The Tor-M2DT is armed with 16 vertically launched missiles in the ready-to-launch position and these can engage up to four targets simultaneously out to a maximum range and altitude of 12,000 m and 10,000 m respectively.

The system has been developed by Izhevsk Electromechanical plant, which is part of the Almaz-Antey missile concern. The original Tor system is based on a different tracked vehicle.

Also developed for use in the Arctic is a version of the Pantsyr-S1, which is also based on the DT-30.

Another DT-30 variant under development is being fitted with what appears to be the upper part of the widely deployed Russian 40-round BM-21 122 mm artillery rocket system (ARS), which is normally mounted on the rear of a 6×6 cross-country chassis.

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